Robot & Frank

ON DVD NOW

Director: Jake Schreier

Starring: Frank Langella, Susan Surrenadon, James Marsden and Peter Sarsgaard (Voice)

Released: 15th July 2013

The relationship between man and robot has been covered quite extensively on screen. Films like I Robot and A.I explored a mature imaginative approach to a futuristic world where robots live among us, while family orientated films like Short Circuit and even Wall-E captured the heart of a nation, showing cute little friends who just wanted to be accepted and loved. The Terminator has become a fan favourite, one of the biggest films of all time spawning several sequels (lets not dwell too much on Bicentennial Man).

Much like the surge in vampires and zombies, Robots have become popular culture, so how long will it be before we actually start introducing them into our homes? Jake Schreier’s Robot & Frank addresses this issue, with this year’s oddball comedy release.

Set in the not too distant future, where technology has evolved one step further, robots are more frequently being used for all day-to-day chores and jobs. They are used in libraries, pick up the shopping and even drive cars. Frank (Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon) is a retired cat burglar living on his own, but after frequent sings of losing his memory, his concerned son (James Marsden, X-Men) buys him a robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard, An Education) to help around the house.

Despite his initial reluctance at having a machine in his house telling him what to do, Frank begrudgingly agrees to use it. It is then that Frank has an idea to use the robot to help him rekindle his love of petty crime.

Frank’s relationship with the robot is quite charming, and the bond that develops is both touching and at times very comical. Sarsgaard’s deadpan performance for the voice of robot is brilliantly timed, in a move of perfect casting. The resulting relationship and dialogue between the unlikely friends often-hysterical scene steeling moments. In one brilliant scene, Frank’s librarian friend (played by Susan Sarandon) introduces her robot eloquently named Mr Darcy to Frank’s robot, where they then try and persuade the two robots to ‘mingle’ and start a conversation of their own. It’s a short-lived conversation, but absolutely hilarious.

The deeper the friendship grows and the more interaction Frank and the robot have with one another, the more robot naturally develops a human-like personality with the odd genuine feeling and emotion normally devoid in machines. His initial reluctance to help Frank thieving is unsurprising, but what follows is genuinely touching as the robot struggles with its conscience.

Langella is an actor of superb calibre, and while he often shies away from bigger projects, its also nice to see him in a more relaxed role. The character of Frank is ruggedly loveable, easily charming those around him as well as the audience.

VERDICT: * * * *

It’s a delightful and sweet little comedy, and with that extra twist at the end, one not to be missed, with show stopping performances from both Langella and Sarsgaard.

Robot & Frank is released on Blu-Ray and DVD in the UK from Monday 15^th July.